Raising Awareness Training in Vientiane, Laos

The group of Lao Ban Advocates continues to advocate for the implementation of the CCM in Laos and has attended a training workshop from 22-24 Feb 2011. The topic was BA Advocacy - Raising Awareness. The objective of this training was to develop the relevant advocacy skills of the Lao Ban Advocates, and provide them with an opportunity to learn more about the Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM) process.

In the lead up to the 1MSP the Lao Ban Advocates were highly involved in Vientiane, Lao PDR in supporting the 1st August 2010 Entry into Force of the Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM). They developed a range of educational and advocacy activities and materials, such as village meetings, embassy visits, publications and exhibits, to raise awareness about the Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM) and have an ongoing  commitment to ban cluster munitions and provide services to victims, survivors and their families.

The group continues to advocate for the implementation of the CCM in Laos and have organized a training workshop from 22-24 Feb 2011. The topic was BA Advocacy - Raising Awareness. The objective of this training was to develop the relevant advocacy skills of the Lao Ban Advocates, and provide them with an opportunity to learn more about the Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM) process.

During the first day they followed a revision session about the CCM and its articles 4, 5. What it specifies in terms of clearance and victim assistance. The BA discussed the 1MSP conference and lessons learned. They presented what they have learnt from the 1MSP.

During the second day, the Ban Advocates received training about the rights of the persons with disabilities. The purpose was to link the CCM and the CRPD. The entire team went also to visit the Lao Disabled Peoples Association (LDPA) Media Unit. The purpose of the visit was to see how LDPA campaigns and advocates through the media in Laos. On the last day there was a presentation done by the Improved Livelihoods on an ongoing project to empower persons with disabilities. Moreover, at the workshop the Ban Advocates were interviewed by invited media representatives from Vientiane Times and Vientiane Mai newspapers, which provided them an opportunity to raise awareness for the implementation of the CCM and advocate for providing victim assistance.